Victory class at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week - Days 6 & 7
by Andrew Thomas 20 Aug 2012 21:13 BST
11-18 August 2012
Victory class at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week © Rick Tomlinson /
www.rick-tomlinson.com
Day 6
Day 6 for the Victory's commenced in stark contrast to the previous day's cancellation. Although the wind was still fresh, the sun was out and with action set in the Western Solent, the race was to prove one of the best held at Cowes Week. Assisted by the West going tide, the fleet was soon down into the open waters adjacent to Gurnard Bay before being sent north to the mainland side of the Solent. During the first half, few position changes occurred even though less than 2 minutes separated the first 10 boats.
Z54 maintained the lead for most of the second half up until the fleet returned to the Island Shore before a nerve wrecking finale on the Squadron line. As the boats reappeared on the Cowes Green the wind dropped in true Cowes Week style and caught in the last of the West going tide positions began to change rapidly.
Those boats that stayed out in the tide kept their wind, while those that ducked in shore beat the tide but lost the wind. All hung in abeyance until the last 15m when Z54, helmed by Geoff Dixon, on a brief gust regained the lead to cross in first place with Z76 and Z49 just seconds behind.
Day 7
Day 7 and the final day for Portsmouth based Victory Class. Racing as always was hotly contested with the added spice of all crews jostling for a last chance to receive a gun before the 2012 Cowes Week concludes.
With the West tide running and a gusty moderate breeze in decline the fleet was sent east and into the mid channel before heading north to the mainland side of the channel of Lee on Solent. Leading the fleet again was Z78 who has dominated the fleet for the week. However, after misjudging a mark towards Southampton water the lead was handed over to Z57 owned by Janet Dee.
With the final legs working the fleet back to the Shrape Finish Line the wind began to falter further allowing Z78 to regain the lead to receive line honours ahead of Z57 and Z77 for the 5th time, not only winning the day but also the series.
Congratulations to owners Mark and Jo Dennington and helmsman Jim Downing.
Full overall results can be found here.